Succeed
    In-person Programme

    Literature & Creative Writing

    by Reach Cambridge

    A residential Cambridge summer programme combining university-level literary study with practical creative writing, theatre trips and expert feedback.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Literature & Creative Writing

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    Literature and Creative Writing at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    International students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, England

    Cost

    £6,295; £12,395; £18,495

    Duration

    2, 4 or 6 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

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    LiteratureCreative WritingWriting

    Language: English

    Accommodation: Cambridge college residence

    Meals: Half board

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate and course report

    Academic tuition: 20 hours weekly

    Accreditation: BAC-accredited provider

    Literature and Creative Writing summary

    This residential course pairs introductory university-level literature with creative writing workshops. Students study drama, poetry, prose and literary movements, then apply ideas through fiction, poetry and narrative exercises.

    Morning academic tuition is complemented by personalised feedback, theatre visits, excursions, guest lectures and supervised activities.

    It suits students who enjoy both close reading and original writing, particularly those exploring literature, English or writing beyond school.

    What is Literature & Creative Writing?

    The Literature & Creative Writing programme is a residential Reach Cambridge course that introduces students to English literature at an early university level. Its academic content spans drama, poetry, prose and movements from the Renaissance to Postmodernism.

    Students combine literary analysis with practical creative writing led by professional writers. Small classes, tailored feedback, theatre trips and local excursions extend the experience beyond conventional classroom study.

    Why Succeed highlights Literature and Creative Writing

    • It connects close literary analysis with practical writing rather than treating them as separate subjects.

    • Students receive tailored feedback designed to refine their individual style and technique.

    • The course covers drama, poetry, prose, fiction and narrative forms, giving students useful breadth.

    • Theatre trips and Cambridge excursions place literature and cultural study beyond the classroom.

    • The wider residential package includes substantial tuition, supervised activities and a course report.

    Who is Literature and Creative Writing for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy analysing literature and want structured practice across fiction, poetry and other creative forms.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost day course, a formal academic qualification or a programme focused only on independent writing.

    Is Literature and Creative Writing worth it?

    The programme can be worthwhile for a student who wants academic depth, sustained writing practice and a supervised taste of residential university life. The combination of literary study, professional-writer exercises, feedback and cultural activities is broader than a classroom-only course.

    The main limitation is cost: fees begin at £6,295, and not every meal or travel expense is covered. It also provides a certificate rather than formal credit, so its value depends on the learning and work students can reflect on afterwards.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £6,295; £12,395; £18,495; includes Cambridge University college accommodation, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Half board, with breakfast only on excursions, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Course certificate and course report, International student travel insurance for eligible individuals.

    Accommodation

    Cambridge college residence

    Meals

    Half board

    Provider details

    Review the Reach Cambridge provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2, 4 or 6 weeks; Cambridge, England.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Literature and Creative Writing need?

    Effort level

    High

    Best started

    Begin the application three to four weeks before the closing round to allow time for the statement and payment planning.

    Main challenge

    Balancing intensive reading, discussion and writing with a full residential schedule.

    Typical preparation

    • Read examples across drama, poetry and prose before arriving.

    • Draft the personal statement in your own words and explain your interest in the subject.

    • Practise discussing a text and supporting an interpretation with evidence.

    • Plan travel, visa or ETA requirements and uncovered meal costs early.

    Useful if

    You already read independently and want detailed feedback on your writing.

    What do students do on Literature and Creative Writing?

    Students move between literary study, discussion and practical writing, with the wider programme adding lectures, activities and cultural visits.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Study drama, poetry, prose and major literary movements.

    2. 2

      Analyse themes, characters and literary techniques in key works.

    3. 3

      Write fiction, poetry, narratives and other forms through practical exercises.

    4. 4

      Discuss literature's relationship with society and culture.

    5. 5

      Use personalised guidance to refine style and technique.

    6. 6

      Join theatre trips, local activities and wider UK excursions.

    Literature and Creative Writing dates and deadlines

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 during the programme year

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Able to study and communicate in English

    • Upper-intermediate or B2 English recommended

    • Student-written personal statement required

    • Transcript or English test may be requested

    How much does Literature and Creative Writing cost?

    Programme fee

    From £6,295 — £12,395 for four weeks; £18,495 for six weeks

    Funding or discounts

    • Deposit: £500 per two weeks — Payable with the application and separate from tuition
    • Refer a friend: £100 discount — Subject to the referral terms
    • Sibling discount: £300 discount — For eligible siblings or alumni families
    • Scholarship route: Essay competition — Highly selective; recommendation letter required

    What's included

    Cambridge University college accommodation, 20 hours of academic tuition per week, Guest lectures and practical workshops, Half board, with breakfast only on excursions, Afternoon and evening activities, Two coach excursions per two-week period, Course certificate and course report, International student travel insurance for eligible individuals

    How to apply to Literature and Creative Writing

    1. 1

      Complete the online application form with parent and student details.

    2. 2

      Select the Literature & Creative Writing course and preferred dates.

    3. 3

      Pay the required deposit to confirm enrolment, subject to remaining requirements.

    4. 4

      Upload a student-written 500-1000 word personal statement within 30 days.

    5. 5

      Complete the online-account sections and provide any requested transcript or English test.

    6. 6

      Pay the remaining balance and finish all requirements by the stated deadlines.

    What does Literature and Creative Writing cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Literary analysis

    Study themes, characters and literary techniques in key works.

    Drama, poetry and prose

    Explore major forms alongside Renaissance, Romantic and Postmodern writing.

    Creative writing workshops

    Develop fiction, poetry and narrative writing through practical exercises.

    Genres and forms

    Experiment with short stories, plays and different writing processes.

    Critical discussion

    Discuss how literature shapes society, culture and interpretation.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Literature and Creative Writing?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Academic tuition

    Morning subject classes and workshops provide four hours of academic study.

    Activities and tasters

    Students join organised activities, local visits or optional taster courses.

    Lecture and activities

    Dinner is followed by a guest lecture or workshop and organised social activities.

    Excursion days

    Supervised cultural excursions replace the usual academic timetable.

    Who teaches on Literature and Creative Writing?

    Academic staff include professors, researchers, postgraduates and subject specialists, many connected with leading institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford or London universities. Practising professionals, including professional writers, also contribute relevant expertise.

    Classes are generally kept small so teaching can respond to students' ability, interests and experience.

    Where do students stay on Literature and Creative Writing?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in central Cambridge University college accommodation.
    • Room arrangement: Same-sex single or twin rooms are grouped by age, with shared bathrooms as standard.
    • Meals: Half board is included, with breakfast only on excursion days.
    • Pastoral support: Resident supervisors, dedicated welfare staff and senior staff provide 24-hour support.
    • Campus experience: Students use college dining, teaching and common spaces within a structured programme.
    • Activities and excursions: Afternoon and evening events plus two coach excursions per two-week block are included.

    Standard accommodation may be a single or twin room with shared bathrooms; guaranteed single and ensuite options cost extra and depend on availability.

    What happens after Literature and Creative Writing?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use stronger literary analysis in school essays and future humanities study.

    Develop original writing that can inform a broader creative portfolio.

    Receive a certificate of attendance with a detailed course overview.

    Use the course report and reading list to continue independent study.

    Reflect on residential study when considering university subject choices.

    The programme does not normally award formal credit or a qualification.

    Where does Literature and Creative Writing take place?

    Students live and study in central Cambridge college accommodation, with academic sessions often using lecture halls or other university-style spaces. Cambridge's literary, theatrical and historic setting supports local visits, while supervised excursions extend the cultural programme elsewhere in the UK.

    Reach Cambridge is a private provider and is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge.

    Literature and Creative Writing FAQs

    The course covers drama, poetry, prose and literary movements including the Renaissance, Romanticism and Postmodernism. Students also practise fiction, poetry, narrative writing and other forms.

    Yes. Students live in central Cambridge University college accommodation within a supervised residential programme.

    The standard programme includes 20 hours of academic tuition per week. Evening lectures, workshops and optional taster courses sit alongside the core subject teaching.

    Half board is included, generally breakfast and dinner. On excursion days, the programme provides breakfast only, so families should budget for uncovered meals.

    Reach Cambridge uses professors, researchers, postgraduates, specialists and practising professionals. The creative writing element is led by professional writers, and classes are generally kept small.

    Standard courses do not award formal credit or a qualification. Students receive a certificate of attendance and a course report with further-reading suggestions.

    Standard accommodation is in same-sex college dormitories, usually single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. Guaranteed single and ensuite options are available for extra fees, subject to availability.

    All teaching is in English. Students should be able to understand academic language and communicate confidently; the provider recommends approximately upper-intermediate or B2 English.

    Alternatives to Literature and Creative Writing

    Compare these published Succeed options if you want a different balance of literary analysis, creative writing, online study or residential experience.

    Alternatives to Literature and Creative Writing

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • FAQ - Reach Cambridge
    • Terms & Conditions (Updated 2026) - Reach Cambridge
    • Summer Programs - Reach Cambridge
    • Useful Info - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Program Overview Summer 2026
    • Reach Cambridge Summer 2026 Brochure
    • English Literature Course - Reach Cambridge

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 3 Aug 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Curriculum reviewed

    • Dates cross-checked

    • Fees verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Accommodation checked

    • Safeguarding reviewed

    • Application process checked

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.